This past week has been one of the darkest chapters in the history of our country. Who would have imagined that the Capitol would be stormed and broken into by our very own citizens? The divisiveness that now exists with our citizenry is at one of the highest points that one can remember with our nation’s unity being tested to the maximum. So, the question is “how do we, as Christ-followers, react to this terrible event and the current social climate in the days and weeks to come?”
Some possibilities come to mind. One is that we can join one side or the other and continue to fan the flames of discord. Another is that we can live in the world of fear, hopelessness, and emotional distress. The other possibility is found in Romans 12:9-21.
Message
Let’s turn our attention to that approach by looking at Romans 12:12-21
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Rather than adding comments to these verses, reread them a time or two and focus on the verses that unify us and bring light to a dark world.
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
Notice that we have choices in bringing light to a dark world.
Trust – Dwell – Enjoy – Take Delight – Commit – Be Still – Wait Patiently – Refrain
Concluding Remarks and Application
As mentioned in the introduction, we do have choices. We can choose to live in the world of anger, finger-pointing, revenge, fear, hopelessness, and emotional distress. Or we can live in the world of hope by treating others with respect and love and placing our trust in God.
May God grant us the ability to choose that which will bring light into this dark world.
